FeATUre
After spending so much time in the United
States leading up to the 2004Olympics
Jaanson, very much a family man, decided,
he wanted to be closer to his two daughters
(Anita and Greta) and wife (former rower for
the Soviet Union and now a rowing coach
for Estonia) Tatjana. “Also,” said Jaanson after
Athens, “I wish to row with and against my
teammates, to see what we can do. To see if
it is smart to try a larger boat, not only the
single scull.”
Tonu Endrekson and Jueri
Jaanson of Estonia celebrate
their gold medal and 2007
Rowing World Cup win in the
Men’s Double Sculls at the
Rotsee in Lucerne, Switzerland.
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Now in his 40s the medals have finally started
flowing much more consistently. Jaanson
competed at all three Rowing World Cups
this season, teaming up with Tonu Endrekson
in the double. They have earned two gold
medals and Jaanson adds to his accolades
the distinction of being the oldest male
Rowing World Cup winner.
In Estonia Jaanson is up there on the
recognition stakes with the likes of football
goalkeeper Mart Poom and Olympic gold
decathlete, turned politician, Erki Nool.
After his Olympic silver Jaanson was named
Person of the Year in Estonia. “He is an honoured
citizen of his town, Pärnu,” says Estonia’s head
coach and secretary general Jaan Tults.
Jaanson rows for a nation that counts only
700 rowers and of that just six are elite full-time rowers with funding through the
Estonian Rowing Association. The priority
boat is now set at the men’s quad and one
other sculling boat. The rowers themselves
get a choice. Following selection trials, using
singles and pairs, the winner of the single
can choose what boat he/she wants to row.
If it’s a double they then have to convince
someone to join them.
© 2007 Getty Images
According to Tults, recreational and masters
rowing is small due to the lack of tradition
in this area as well as the climate and
conditions. Tults estimates a maximum of 20
masters rowers, but, he adds, these 20 are
very active and regularly win medals at the
World Rowing Masters Regatta.
If Estonia’s elite continue as long as Jaanson,
masters rowing isn’t going to be growing any
time soon. ■ M.S.B.
